KZN Department of Social Welfare

Grants

INTRODUCTION

Social assistance means assistance in the form of grants or a financial award provided by the Government.


TYPES OF GRANTS

Social assistance is provided in the form of:
(Click for qualifying criteria)


GRANT AMOUNTS


WHAT IS A MEANS TEST?

  • The most important factor when a person applies for social assistance is his/her financial position. The reason for that is that grants are only awarded if the applicant's financial resources are below a certain level. In determining whether an applicant qualifies for a grant, and if so to what amount he/she would be entitled to the income and assets of the applicant and spouse or the concerned foster are assessed


WHERE DO YOU APPLY FOR A GRANT?

  • You apply at the Welfare Office nearest to where you live
  • If you are too old or sick to travel to office to apply for grant, then a family member or friend can apply on your behalf
  • Your application form will be completed in the presence of an officer from the Department
  • When your application is completed you will be given a receipt
  • Keep this receipt - it is your only proof of application
  • You do not have to pay any money to apply
  • If your application is not approved by the Welfare Office, you must be informed in writing as to why your application was unsuccessful
  • You have the right to appeal to the Minister of Welfare in your Provice in writing, explaining why you disagree with the decision. This appeal must be lodged within 90 days of notification of the outcome of your application.


DATE OF AWARD OF GRANTS

  • If your grant is approved, you will be paid from the day you applied


IF YOUR APPLICATION FOR A GRANT IS UNSUCCESSFUL

  • The applicant must be informed in writing of the reasons for the refusal of the grant and his/her right to appeal this decision within 90 days of notification


METHODS OF PAYMENT
You can receive your grant by the following methods:

  • Cash payments at a pay point
  • Banks
  • Post Office
  • Institution
Note: If you are unable to collect the grant yourself you may nominate a procurator to regularly collect it for you


SUSPENSION OF GRANTS
The following may result in the suspension of a grant:

  • Changes in circumstances
  • Outcome of a review
  • Failure to co-operate when a grant is reviewed


RESTORATION OF GRANTS

  • An application must be made for restoration of a grant within 90 days of the suspension.


MAIN REASONS FOR LAPSING OF GRANT

  • Death
  • Admission to a State Institution
  • If the grant is not claimed for 3 consecutive months
  • When the period of disability has lapsed
  • You are absent from the Republic for a continuous period longer than six months


REVIEWS

  • You must declare any income at the time of application. This will form the basis on which the Department will decide whether your grant must be reviewed. You will be notified 3 months in advance of the date of the review or the date on which the life certificate is due.




Copyright © 2007 KZN Department of Social Welfare & Population Development. All rights reserved.